While there’s no official definition for casual shoes, the term is typically used for footwear intended for daily, informal activities. Casual shoes are often described as the opposite of dress shoes, which many people wear for formal occasions, such as weddings and funerals. Casual shoes include an array of different types of footwear, from sneakers and loafers to snow boots and summer sandals.
The definition of business casual varies depending on the type of business and office standards. However, business casual shoes are typically shoes that are dressier than sneakers but less formal than dress shoes. Examples of shoes that often fall under the business casual category include loafers, bluchers and monk straps. Some sneakers may be considered business casual shoes in certain offices, especially if they’re designed to be a bit fancier than athletic sneakers and made with materials like suede or leather. If you’re starting a new job and you’ve been told that the office is business casual, play it safe on the first day and get a feel for what business casual means in the office based on what your co-workers are wearing.
Many different styles of casual men’s shoes are in style. Some types of shoes are considered timeless and stay in fashion throughout the years although the designs may vary from year to year. Some examples of casual men’s shoes that are in style include:
• Chelsea boots — Many men enjoy the convenience of Chelsea boots, ankle-high boots that are easy to slip on and off due to stretchy panels along the sides.
• Leather and suede sneakers — No longer just for athletic activities, sneakers have become a very fashionable type of footwear for many different occasions. Some brands of sneakers have become dressier and more interesting with visually appealing designs and high quality materials.
• Loafers — A type of casual shoe that slips on easily, loafers come in a variety of styles, including penny loafers, tassel loafers, driving loafers, boat loafers, horsebits and espadrilles. Loafers don’t have laces or any other feature that allows you to adjust the fit.
• Casual Oxfords — A classic men’s shoe, Oxfords feature eyelet tabs underneath the vamp of the shoes. Although Oxford dress shoes are very popular, there are casual versions of the Oxford.
• Driving shoes — With a style similar to that of a moccasin, driving shoes slip on and off easily and feature a rubber sole for good traction.
• Chukka boots — Often described as a marriage between casual boots and dress shoes, chukka boots are ankle-high boots typically made from leather or suede. They have laces and eyelets.
• Boat shoes — Originally designed for use on a boat as the name suggests, boat shoes have a low-cut style similar to that of a moccasin. Traditional boat shoes feature long laces that feed through eyelets located near the heel and ankle of the shoes.
There are many popular styles of casual shoes, with new designs hitting the market every year.
For women, popular types of casual shoes include loafers, mules, ballet flats, clogs, sandals, flip flops, ankle and riding boots, and sneakers in a variety of styles, including retro styles.
For men, popular types of casual shoes include loafers, boat shoes, driving shoes, Chelsea and chukka boots, and sneakers.
There’s no single type of casual shoe that’s the most comfortable for all men. However, many men opt for sneakers when they want comfortable footwear. Sneakers come in a wide variety of different styles, from athletic sneakers designed for specific sports to dressier sneakers that can pass in some office settings and during casual evenings out.
Some men also find that other types of shoes are very comfortable, including various styles of loafers, driving shoes, boat shoes and boots. Consider going shoe shopping in a physical store so that you can try shoes on before purchasing. This can help ensure you find a brand and style that’s most comfortable for you.
If you’re like many people, you spend a lot of time in casual shoes. Even in an office environment and during evenings out, it’s very common to see people foregoing dress shoes and opting for casual sneakers and other types of informal footwear. Contrary to popular belief, casual shoes don’t always provide enough comfort and support to prevent foot issues. Be sure to choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate cushioning for your daily activities. You can also complement your casual shoes and sneakers with inserts from Dr. Scholl’s®. The right shoe inserts can help provide targeted support so that you can get the most out of your everyday shoes and feel comfortable on your feet for hours at a time.
If a demanding job is leaving you with tired, achy feet, Dr. Scholl’s® Comfort & Energy Work Insoles can make a big difference. These insoles provide superior support and comfort, protecting joints against the effects of working in challenging conditions.
If you enjoy taking long walks but find that it can be tiring for your legs and feet, try Dr. Scholl’s® Walk Longer Insoles. The slim design allows the insoles to fit easily into a variety of casual shoes and sneakers, providing comfort and support throughout the full walking stride.
If you’re experiencing a specific type of pain in the feet or other areas of the lower body, or you have a specific type of condition or injury, Dr. Scholl’s® offers a number of different specially designed, targeted solutions:
• Dr. Scholl’s® Prevent Pain protective insoles are ideal for people who have experienced lower body pain in the past and for those who want to do everything they can to prevent future pain. These insoles provide protective cushioning to reduce discomfort in the feet, knees and lower back.
• Dr. Scholl’s® Comfort Heel Cushions have a raised profile to direct pressure away from painful heels. The cushions have a slim design that can fit easily into most casual shoes and sneakers.
• Dr. Scholl’s® Arthritis Support Insoles Pain are ideal for people who suffer from pain in the knees, hips and feet due to osteoarthritis. With a reinforced arch and deep heel cup, these insoles are clinically proven effective at reducing stress on arthritic joints.
• Dr. Scholl’s® Knee All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics are optimal for those experiencing knee pain from arthritis and runner’s knee. They’re also a good choice for people with general knee pain. These orthotics reduce painful impacts while protecting the knees from additional strain.
If you’d like to enhance your casual shoes and make them more comfortable for all day wear, consider these options:
• Dr. Scholl’s® Love Your SNEAKERS Full Length Insoles are intended for women who want to improve the comfort of their sneakers. Flexible cushioning provides long-lasting support. In addition to sneakers, you can use these insoles with a variety of casual shoes, from slip-on to lace-up styles.
• Dr. Scholl’s® Float-On-Air® Comfort Insoles feature incredibly soft cushioning bubbles that bounce back every time you take a step. The ultra-lightweight insoles allow you to get through busy days in comfort.
• Dr. Scholl’s® Massaging Gel® Advanced Insoles improve shoe comfort with layers of gel cushioning. The shock-absorbing massaging gel reduces fatigue and soreness so you can stay active for hours.
• Dr. Scholl’s® Air-Pillo® with Memory Foam Insoles feature memory foam that bounces back with each foot movement, providing exceptional comfort. The insoles also feature an added layer that guards against unpleasant odors.
• Dr. Scholl’s® Tri-Comfort® Insoles provide targeted cushioning in three key areas of the foot: the ball of the foot, heel and arch. Flexible support helps distribute weight more evenly to reduce discomfort.
If you’re concerned about sweaty feet, Dr. Scholl’s® has specialized insoles that absorb moisture:
• Dr. Scholl’s® Go Sockless! Insoles are perfect for shoes that work best without socks. The insoles feature an absorbent material along with vents to keep feet dry all day.
If you require extra support from your orthotics and insoles, there are options for both men and women:
• Dr. Scholl’s® Heavy Duty Support Insoles are designed to meet the needs of men with wide feet in addition to men who are tall or who weigh over 200 pounds. The insoles provide extra cushioning to protect the joints. You can wear them with men’s casual shoes as well as work boots.
• Dr. Scholl’s® Extra Support Insoles are ideal for plus-sized women as well as women who are tall or who have wide feet. These insoles help reduce lower back pain as well as fatigue in the feet and legs. They work well with casual and athletic sneakers as well as work boots.
With so many great options from Dr. Scholl’s®, you can find the perfect shoe insert to make your casual shoes and sneakers more comfortable and enjoyable to wear. High quality cushioning and support from Dr. Scholl’s® shoe inserts can transform all of your casual footwear, allowing you to stay pain-free, active and energized all day.
